Sherni, Dhaakad, Gangubai Kathiawadi: 5 Women-Centric Bollywood Films We Are Looking Forward To

Upcoming Women-centric films: Before the theatres closed in 2020 due to the pandemic, Bollywood had promised a stellar line of women-centric films to viewers. More than a year on, viewers still await release of many such exciting films that not only promised us unique narratives and characters, but also intended to push the envelop with their portrayal of women. One such film is Sherni, in which Vidya Balan will essay the role of a forest officer

Like Sherni, some of these upcoming films will now soon be seen on OTT platforms, having opted for a digital release. While others like Gangubai Kathiawadi still wait for theatres to open. So here are some upcoming women-centric Bollywood films we have been promised in 2021:

Gangubai Kathiawadi

In Gangubai Kathiawadi, actor Alia Bhatt stars in the titular role of a woman who was sold into prostitution by her boyfriend who went on to run a brothel in Kamathipura. The film is directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali. The biographical film is adapted from a chapter of Hussain Zaidi's book Mafia Queens of Mumbai.

Director Bhansali wanted the film to have a theatrical release on July 30 but that doesn't seem possible owing to the current COVID-19 situation. The fresh release date announced by makers is February 25, 2022. However, there is no news regarding the film's digital release so far.

Sherni

Directed by Amit Masurkar, Sherni highlights the conflict between man and animals. In the movie, actor Vidya Balan will be seen as a forest officer. The film also features noted actors like Ila Arun, Sharat Saxena, Vijay Raaz and Neeraj Kabi.

In an interview with Mumbai Mirror, Balan said, “I loved Newton (a National Award winning film directed by Masurkar) and when Amit narrated Sherni to me, I knew I wanted to do this film. The uniqueness of the story and its world appealed to me.” Sherni is set to release on Prime Video on June 18.

Dhaakad

In Dhaakad, Kangana Ranaut plays the character of Agent Agni who she described as “fearless and fiery”. The makers of the film claim that it will be a turning point for Indian cinema. Written by Chintan Gandhi and Rinish Ravindra, the action-thriller is jointly produced by Sohel Maklai Productions and Asylum Films. Dhaakad is set to have a theatrical release on October 1.

Rashmi Rocket

Rashmi Rocket will see actor Taapsee Pannu play the character of a sprinter from Gujarat who rises to national and international racetracks. Check out Pannu's physical transformation for the film here.

Directed by Akarsh Khurana and produced by Ronnie Scewvala, this sports film is set to be released in the second half of 2021.

Tejas

Tejas stars Kangana Ranaut in the role of a fighter pilot. The film takes inspiration from the Indian Air Force, which was the first wing of the Armed Forces in the country to admit women into combat roles back in 2016. Tejas is written and directed by Sarvesh Mewara.

“I am honoured to be a part of a film that celebrates these brave men and women in uniform who make immense sacrifices in the line of duty every day. Our film celebrates the armed forces and its heroes,” Ranaut said about her association with the project.